An ounce of prevention, as they say, can keep your children from missing those important days of school and keep you from rearranging your schedule at the last minute.  Not just colds and flus, but the issues of transition, concentration, peers and general anxiety can keep kids out of the classroom.  We thought we would devote this article to some steps that you can take to stay healthy and keep them in school where they should be.

 

Kids at the lower end of the age range tend to have the hardest time separating from Mom or Dad and also seem to pick up more than their fair share of flu bugs, coughs, colds and sore throats.  Lice can also be a bigger issue with this group since they are more tactile and play with and touch many of the same things at school.  Further up the ladder in grade school there may be concentration issues, anxiety related to school performance, and issues related to peers.  Here's what you can do:

 

Take a multivitamin--No matter how well your kids eat, they can always benefit from a multi that makes sure they have a base level of all of the important nutrients.  Certain nutrients like zinc and vitamin D are very important to immune function, for example, and you want to make sure your kids are prepared when the bugs go around.  There are also multis that are specifically made for teens that include extra nutrients for skin health, developing bones and reproductive systems. 

 

Focus on concentration--Omega-3's, particularly DHA, are very important to brain function.  Omega-3's are the fatty acids most often missing in the American diet and can help when a child has trouble settling down to the school environment.  Nordic Naturals makes some great options like DHA Junior and ProOmega Junior.  Vitagels by Animal Parade is also a good multi that combines some fish oils if you want an all-in-one solution.   Sea Buddies has a formula with nutrients important to brain function called Concentrate! that is good for children with ADD or ADHD.  For older children, the adult fish oil formulas would be appropriate.  An essential oil that is great for junior high or high school students is called Clarity, which is terrific for mental focus.  I have used it personally to great effect and recently sent it off to medical school with my daughter's boyfriend.  Highly recommended! 

 

Use Echinacea for Cold and Flu Prevention--This herb has been known to prevent colds and strengthen immunity.  It can be taken directly as an herbal tincture in the Herbs for Kids line, or in combination with Vitamin C and Zinc in a Yummi Bears supplement.  For older children, just using the herb as either a tincture (liquid) or pill will work best.  Elderberry is also excellent for this purpose and can actually prevent viruses from replicating in the cells.  Vitamin D is very important to immune function.  Younger ones can try Rainbow Light's Vitamin D Sunny Gummies and the older set can just take an adult Vitamin D supplement.

 

Stop Lice in its Tracks--Every year in the first few months of school there seems to be a major outbreak of lice, which last year went on throughout the school year.  Lice don't like tea tree oil, so use a tea tree oil spray and/or the shampoo to keep the little critters away.  This can be done preventatively so that there is no need to worry about getting them.  You can use the therapeutic tea tree shampoo if your child actually contracts lice and there is a great herbal formula called Nit Free that also gets rid of lice.  I know way too many people that go the pesticide route before they have tried these alternatives. I would not want to put that on my child's head unless it was a last resort!!

 

Promote Peaceful Slumber--When some kids get wound up about school, they have troubling sleeping and then are crabby and foggy at school.  Some great tools include using a mild sleep remedy, diffusing essential oils in a child's room to promote relaxation, using flower essences, and/or having a bedtime ritual.  Calms Forte is a gentle homeopathic remedy that can be used as a sleep aid.  Essential oils like lavender can be diffused in a child's room to promote sleep, or I just sniff them directly from the bottle.  See also flower essence suggestions below.  Cell phones and computers should be removed from a child's room at night, and their use should be discontinued at least one hour before bedtime.  This allows the child to "unwire" themselves.  Part of the problem now is that kids are always "plugged in" and are over-stimulated, so they aren't tired when it's time to go to bed.  I found out last year after my 8th grader had had "trouble sleeping" and was falling asleep at school that in fact she was on her cell phone talking until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning.   

 

Use Flower Essences for the Emotional Bumps in the Road--School can be a tough adjustment for some kids due to separation issues, performance anxiety or issues with peers.  Here are just a sampling of the hundreds of flower essences that can help kids overcome common problems:

 

Adol Essence (Bush)--A combination essence that helps with the issues teenagers commonly experience.  Enhances acceptance of self, communication, social skills, harmony in relationships, maturity, emotional stability and optimism.

Aspen--For fear of the unknown, and the ability to meet new situations with confidence.

 

Blackberry--For the child who has a hard time motivating themselves.  Overcomes inertia and creates more interest in tasks at school and at home.

 

Chestnut Bud--For kids who have difficulty with learning experiences, who often need to repeat them, or who lag behind others.

 

Clematis--For the daydreamer whose attention is elsewhere.  For a focused, awake presence.

 

Gentian--Helps overcome discouragement after an academic, athletic, or social setback.

 

Larch--For fear of failure and lack of confidence.  Promotes self confidence, creative expression and spontaneity.

 

Mallow--For feelings of social insecurity and an inability to make and keep friends.

 

Shooting Star--For children who feel like they don't belong.   Helps them to participate and feel part of the group.

 

White Chestnut--Restless, fitful sleep due to anxious feelings or repetitive mental chatter.  Clears the mind and promotes inner quiet.

 

Send them off with the strength and confidence they need using any of these ideas!  Children are great at picking out their own essences as they are very open to their intuition.  They don't overthink things and can be drawn to the perfect essence for them.  They may also enjoy picking from our flower card deck to help them select an essence that will help them.  Involving the child in their own health is a great way to teach them that they can affect their health in a positive way.  Good luck to all of them in school this year!